The Columbus airport was renamed the John Glenn Columbus International Airport today, honoring astronaut John Glenn and his contributions to aviation and Ohio.
The 94-year-old former U.S. senator and his wife appeared at the ceremony Tuesday to rename Port Columbus International Airport. At the event, Glenn said he hopes the name will inspire children to pursue advances in aviation.
"It may draw attention, for some of our young people, and develop their interest in knowing that they in their time can do as many new things as has been done in aviation and flying in the past," Glenn said.
State lawmakers voted on a bill last month to authorize the renaming. Republican House Speaker Clifford Rosenberger and Democratic Mayor Andrew Ginther also attended the event.
Glenn was the first American to orbit the earth in 1962. He was a member of NASA's Mercury Seven crew that led the U.S. into space. With Scott Carpenter's death in 2013, he became the crew's last surviving member.
Glenn was raised in New Concord, Ohio.
